SPOTLIGHT - Bethlehem Catholic

The TALON
Bethlehem Catholic High School Alumni Newsletter
Alumni
IN THIS ISSUE
SPOTLIGHT
“So many leaders have
emerged from within the
Bethlehem Catholic home.
The Greatest Gift
– John Petruzzelli, Principal
Read more from John on Page 1.
“I realized that teaching was my passion and calling,
so I decided to make it
my career.”
- Lauren (Bonfiglio) Weiss, Class of 2008
Read more about Lauren in Faculty Profile, Page 3.
Michael Thompson, Class of
1997, was used to saving
people. After all, he’s a
firefighter by trade. But it’s
unlikely he ever realized
he would someday save a
life by giving away part of
himself.
Mike and former Becahi classmate
Donya (Shook) McCoy had been
friends on Facebook and exchanged
“The Annual Appeal allows us
to continue to open our doors and open the minds and hearts of our students. We need YOU!”
Read more about the Annual Appeal on Page 4.
messages in the Fall of 2012 when
Mike shared posts about some
health issues his son, Landon, was
having.
But in July, 2014 tables were turned
when Donya posted an usual and
desperate plea: “OK friends… here
it is … the request of a lifetime. Is there anyone out there who has O-positive blood
and would be willing to donate 25 percent of their liver to save Kennedy’s life?”
Kennedy is Donya’s 3-year-old daughter who was suffering from a rare metabolic
disorder. Without the liver, Kennedy could die.
Mike read the post and spoke with his wife, Kiersten, about it. With her support,
Mike contacted Donya and offered to be tested. On September 10, 2014, he
received official notification that he was a match. In November, he underwent
surgery at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center to donate a quarter of his liver.
The 7-hour procedure was a success. Mike even got a visit from another 1997
Becahi classmate, Barbara Biehl, who works at UPMC and
lives in Pittsburgh.
continued on page 2...
SPRING 2015
BECA Talon Spring news.indd 1
4/17/15 10:00 AM
THE TALON • SPRING 2015
Greetings,
ALUMNI!
were here, they share stories of
happenings from each room and
memories that come flooding
back when they see certain
Becahi “landmarks” or teachers.
So many life-changing things
Wow! This school year has been a whirlwind and I’m sure
have happened within these
many of our teachers, students and parents would agree.
walls over the past 50 years and
Making the year so much more special and meaningful has
inside Becahi’s first building on
been the celebration of our 50th Year on Madison Avenue.
the south side of Bethlehem.
Bringing back the homecoming bonfire, enjoying our
So many leaders have emerged from within the Bethlehem
alumni beef and beer event in the school’s courtyard and
Catholic home. Those experiences are still happening! That
reconnecting at our alumni Mass have created many fond
fire is still burning! Tomorrow’s leaders are being formed
memories. And there are more 50th anniversary events to
right now, each day here at the school you love.
come continuing through Homecoming, 2015. We hope you
will be joining us!
In this edition of The Talon, you’ll see photos of fellow alums
enjoying time spent here and reconnecting with each other.
I hope you’ll consider joining us for our upcoming alumni
events and maybe we can feature YOU in our next issue.
If you visit the school, you’ll see our new Mission statement
featured throughout the building:
“At Bethlehem Catholic High School, we empower our
students to live their faith, embrace learning, serve with
compassion and embody integrity.”
Whether you graduated recently or from our south side
My hope is that all who enter will learn it, remember it and
campus a “few” years ago, I always want you to feel that this
live it. Come back and see it for yourself. Go Hawks!
is still your home.
With warm regards,
It is always a great experience when our alumni come back to
the school, not just for them but for me, our administration,
faculty, staff and current students, as well. As our visitors
look around at the changes that have happened since they
John P. Petruzzelli
The Greatest Gift continued
Thompson is extremely humble about the selfless act. “For
On November 11, 2014, little Kennedy received the life-
people. If I were in
giving gift from “Uncle Mike” as she now calls him, through
her (Donya’s) shoes,
a ten-hour surgery at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.
I would hope that
According to her mother, Kennedy is considered to be
cured. She can eat regularly since her body can now process
as long as I can remember, I always liked helping other
someone would step
up to help my child.”
protein, something it could not do before. She’s now doing
The experience has
all of the things a three-year-old loves to do.
connected Kennedy
“For the first three years of her life, my focus was just
keeping here alive,” says Donya. “Since having her
transplant and being cured, for the first time, I can just enjoy
being her mom and not having to be a medical advocate all
the time.”
and Donya to the
Thompson family in
a special way.
The
man who helped save
her life promised
Kennedy a special date when she’s up to it. “I told her I’ll be
Donya says Mike is truly Kennedy’s hero. “Without him
taking her out for the biggest banana split she can have. And
stepping forward, she may not be here today.”
we’ll be rockin’ the same hair style on our ice cream date!”
2
BECA Talon Spring news.indd 2
4/17/15 10:00 AM
SPRING 2015 • THE TALON
Faculty
SPOTLIGHT
Meet Lauren (Bonfiglio) Weiss
Zealand, and my husband and I are planning another cruise
to the Caribbean.
Outside of work, I like to
curl up with a good book,
take my dog for a walk, and
attend hockey games with my
husband.
I am currently pursuing my
Masters Degree in Secondary
Education at St. Joseph’s
University, and hope to obtain
my Masters in Biology in the near future.
What led you into the teaching field? Teaching was never
my original plan. It was not until my junior year of college
that I was given the opportunity to become a Supplemental
Instruction (SI) Leader, which allowed me to tutor students
individually, as well as in groups. I absolutely fell in love with
my job and found myself spending more time in my “office”
than in the lab doing research. I realized that teaching was
my passion and calling, so I decided to make it my career.
What would you like fellow alums to know about Becahi
now? The Becahi community has dedicated itself to
Lauren Bonfiglio Weiss, Class of 2008, teaches sophomore
chemistry and freshman biology.
providing its students a well-rounded education, as well
as teaching the skills needed after high school. Teachers
work hard in the classrooms and challenge their students to
She also serves Becahi as the band front advisor, dance team
be their best. The facilities have been upgraded to meet
coach, homecoming coordinator, assistant PJAS moderator,
the needs of the entire school community. Some recent
and summer service trip moderator.
upgrades have been our media center, our biology labs, and
After graduating from Becahi, Lauren attended Monmouth
University, where she majored in chemistry and biology.
According to Lauren, “In June 2012, shortly after my college
graduation, my high school sweetheart, Matt, (Becahi Class
of 2007), proposed to me while we were vacationing with
my family in Myrtle Beach. He took me for a walk along
the water and surprised me with a ring. We got married in
my personal favorite, the chemistry labs which are being
renovated this summer!
Best advice to current students? Never settle for anything
but your best. Do what makes you happy, and surround
yourself with good people. Always work hard, and never give
up on your dreams, no matter how out of reach they may
seem.
October 2013, and we are looking forward to a wonderful life
How is teaching at your alma mater different from
together!”
teaching anywhere else? Coming back to Becahi as a
What do you like to do when you’re not teaching?
I have been blessed with so many opportunities to travel,
which is one of my favorite pastimes. My husband and I
traveled to the Caribbean for our honeymoon, and that
teacher has made the transition so easy for me, and has
made me feel comfortable and welcomed. Working beside
my previous teachers has been such a great opportunity, and
I continue to learn so much from them.
was the trip that sparked my love of travel. Last summer I
If you weren’t a teacher, what would you be? If I was
traveled to Europe, and this summer I am going to Costa
never given the opportunity to teach at college, I most likely
Rica. Next summer, I will be visiting Australia and New
would be attending school for my PhD in chemistry, and then
working in a lab as a research chemist.
3
BECA Talon Spring news.indd 3
4/17/15 10:00 AM
THE TALON • SPRING 2015
WE ARE GOLDEN HAWKS
Each year, Bethlehem Catholic
High School welcomes back our
current students and opens our
Today and forever!
doors to new students eager to learn what makes
a Becahi education special. Each year, our students
and our school set goals and expectations and we
The 2014-15 Annual Appeal is drawing to a close and we are
are proud to say, year in and year out, we achieve
very close to achieving our goal. We are within $12,000 of
many of these goals. We grow closer to God….
hitting our $150,000 benchmark. This campaign allows us to
We excel in the classroom.... We serve our community….
continue to open our doors and open the minds and hearts
We win championships…. WE ARE GOLDEN HAWKS….
of our students. We need YOU, whether you are a Golden
TODAY AND FOREVER!
Hawk from our original Southside building, or a Golden
alumni and community support. Bethlehem Catholic gave
you a strong foundation – a foundation on which to build
your dreams. Your career goals started here; your morals
and values were molded within our walls; your friendship
bonds were formed here; your relationship with God and
your family was strengthened by what you experienced on
our campus. You are a GOLDEN HAWK in every sense of
the word. We are grateful for your prayers, your support
and your gifts.
Hawk from Madison Avenue, you are the foundation for our
students of today. Your gifts help them grow in faith, excel
in the classroom, serve the community and become Golden
Hawks for the future.
“
No matter the size, your gift
will help create the Becahi
experience for the students
of today.
“
In order to accomplish most of these goals we rely on
Please consider a gift to your school. No matter the size,
your gift will help create the Becahi experience for the
students of today. If you are able, consider donating $50
in honor of our “50 Years on Madison Avenue”. Your
donation helps us live our mission every day: “To empower
our students to live their faith, embrace learning, serve with
compassion and embody integrity.”
Purpose. Passion. Pride.
Congratulations to Jennifer Kurtz, class of 2009, who was the winner of our iPad
Air drawing for annual appeal donors. Guylaine Campbell, Bethlehem Catholic
Director of Technology, presents Jennifer with her new iPad.
4
BECA Talon Spring news.indd 4
4/17/15 10:00 AM
SPRING 2015 • THE TALON
Celebrating
Many Golden Hawks – past, present and future have joined us
since the start of the school year as we celebrate 50 Years on
Madison Avenue.
Here’s a look at some of the events we have had:
• 50 Years of Football Reunion – September 6, Becahi Campus
• Beef & Beer – October 3, Becahi Courtyard
• Bonfire – October 3, Softball Field
• Homecoming Parade – October 4, from school to BASD Stadium
• Homecoming Game – October 4, vs. East Stroudsburg North
• Senior Citizen Alumni Mass & Breakfast – December 19, Auditorium & Gym
• Alumni Mass – January 18, Chapel
• Spring Musical Alumni Reception – April 11, Auditorium & Media Center
If you missed these events, don’t worry – there’s still more celebrating to do!
Join us June 6 for the All Alumni Reunion to be held
throughout the Becahi campus.
Cost: $10 adults; $5 for those under 21
Food, games, school tours, kids’ activities
Tents will be provided for classes wishing to hold their reunions at the event.
Call the Advancement Office for more details: 610-066-0791, Ext. 323.
Please RSVP using the form below by May 22nd.
Making memories in the Courtyard at the
Alumni Beef & Beer.
Golden Hawks prayed together at the
Alumni Mass.
Senior Rebecca Nixon is crowned 2014 Homecoming Queen
by 2013 Queen, Hanna O’Reilly.
Marching our way to the Homecoming Game.
ALL ALUMNI REUNION
Name:___________________________________________________________
Year of Graduation:______________________________
Number of Adults ($10):________________________________ Number of those under 21 ($5):________________________________
Amount Enclosed: $_______________________________ Make checks payable to Bethlehem Catholic High School .
Please return this form by May 22, 2015 to: Bethlehem Catholic High School
c/o Advancement Office
2133 Madison Avenue, Bethlehem, PA 18017
5
BECA Talon Spring news.indd 5
4/17/15 10:00 AM
THE TALON • SPRING 2015
!
d
a
o
r
e
on th
BECAHI
We’re “taking the show on the road” and visiting
alumni at various stops for alumni “happy hours”
where Golden Hawks can meet up and catch up.
More than 25 alumni gathered at the Flat Iron Hall on
W. 26th Street in New York City on February 12.
On March 26, Corked on Main Street in Bethlehem
was the scene for “a little bit of Becahi” as alumni
caught up with each other, relived old memories and
made some new ones.
Stops are planned in New York City in May;
Philadelphia in June and Bethlehem in July, with more
cities to be added.
We hope to see YOU at an upcoming event. To
be added to the notification list, contact Jennifer
(Scattene) Harding, Class of 2003, at Jennifer@
barilottiws.com.
You can also call the school’s Advancement office
at 610-866-0791, Ext. 323 or visit the website,
www.becahi.org.
Alumni event information is also posted on our alumni
Facebook page and you can follow us on Twitter
@becahi_hawks.
Tell your classmates and make a date to reconnect
at an upcoming event!
Top: Jennifer (Scattene) Harding, Class of 2003, (top) poses with
Molly Bukvics, (left) and Candace Klesh, both Class of 2005, at
NYC’s Flat Iron Hall.
Middle: James Harding shares a laugh with his brother-in-law
Mark Scattene, and Luke Skutches, both Class of 2007.
Bottom: Class of 2008 alumni at the New York City Happy Hour:
Sarah DiBenendetto, Julie Jebran, Karissa Basile, Stephanie Waldt,
Jay Ferry, Jay’s fiance Allie Adamo and Courtney Bishop.
Left: Mike Grasso spends time with Alumni at the Bethlehem
Happy Hour.
6
BECA Talon Spring news.indd 6
4/17/15 10:00 AM
SPRING 2015 • THE TALON
Everyone wants to bid on the great gifts at this year’s Auction.
deejay for the evening, and to Lori Mergel, Advancement
Department, for her tireless work in helping to coordinate
the event.
The auction is the single largest fund-raising event
benefitting the school. Proceeds from past auctions have
On March 21, more than 200 people enjoyed the 13th
been used for facility
annual Becahi auction, Moonlight On Madison.
upgrades including the
The gym was transformed into a Southern-styled garden
and attendees dined on southern-themed foods, played
“horseshoes” for prizes, posed for photos on the Becahi
veranda and enjoyed shootin’ the breeze. Guests bid on
more than 300 silent and live auction items ranging from
restaurant gift cards and jewelry to trips to the ESPY Awards
band room, distance
learning lab, biology labs
and media center, and
for technology including
Smartboards, computers,
and iPads.
and an Oklahoma
If you would like to
City Thunder jersey
be added to the auction
autographed by
mailing list, or would like to
Russell Westbrook.
participate as a sponsor (business or personal), advertiser or
Guests also enjoyed
performances by
Winners of this year’s Auction Raffle, Tim
(Class of 2002), Jane (center), and Melissa
Duckworth.
item donor, please contact Lori Mergel in the Advancement
Office at 610-866-0791, Ext. 323.
the Becahi Dance
Team and Theater
Department.
For the second year,
Parents Dan and Lisa Treffinger enjoy a warm
southern evening.
the event featured
a $10,000 raffle. We
congratulate this year’s winners: Tim, Class of 2002, and
Melissa Duckworth!
We offer a huge thank you to the many attendees, sponsors,
advertisers, donors and volunteers who made the event a
All love a game of
Horseshoes.
great success.
A very special thank you goes to event co-chairs, Maura
Roszyk and Sue Hicks, as well as the entire auction
committee; to DJ Seibert, Class of 1987, who served as
7
BECA Talon Spring news.indd 7
4/17/15 10:00 AM
Non-Profit Org
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Lehigh Valley, PA
Permit No. 520
Bethlehem Catholic High School, Inc.
2133 Madison Avenue
Bethlehem, PA 18017
610-866-0791
Anreuni
imprompt
u
on
(Right) Maylan (Ropos) Neimeister, Class of 1937, and
Claire Bellen Skomitz, Class of 1938, reunited at the
Alumni Mass and Breakfast on December 19. The girls
had a great time remembering “the old days” at Becahi.
Weon thave
a
dat
e
heLinks!
Mark your calendar for
Friday, August 7 for the
Annual
Golden Hawk
Golf Classic
8:00 a.m.
Bethlehem Municipal Golf Course
Proceeds benefit Becahi Athletics.
For more information, contact the
Advancement Office at
610-866-0791, ext. 323
BECA Talon Spring news.indd 8
4/17/15 10:00 AM